Rainfall,A poem by Tagore—Translated by Ranu
The poem rainfall by Tagore,is a very popular poem,recited in almost every home in Bengal. At times I feel Tagore probably wrote this because it brought back nostalgic memories of his own childhood. The Monsoon season is awaited seriously because it gives relief from the extreme heat of summer.
The title of this poem is :’Rain Is Falling Drip Drop’
The sky is overcast,the day is coming to an end, the sun is about to set.
The layers of clouds are waiting patiently to catch a glimpse of the moon.
The bell in the temple is reminding , the devotees,it is time for prayer.
Over on the other side the falling rain is obscuring the trees.
Here on this side the colourful clouds are looking like hundred gems.
The breeze on this cloudy day reminds me of the childhood song___
Rain is falling drip drop, the river is overflowing.
The clouds surrounding the sky are playing different games,they have no boundaries___
They continue playing from country to country, no one forbids them.
Leaving precipitation in the gardens is a joy to behold,
It is amazing to see the the variety of games displayed by the clouds!
These games reminds me of the game of hide and seek we played in so many corners!
With it I think of the song ___
The rain is falling drip drop,the river is overflowing.
It brings my memory back about the light in my house,
my mother’s bright smile____
the sound of thunder and my palpitating heart.
The little boy sleeping on one side,
the trouble he gave Mom is hard to describe.
The over active boy jumping__
the loud thunder outside making everyone tremble.
Magically from a distance my Mom’s song___
Rain is falling drip drop the river is overflowing.
I recall my friends Shuorani and Duorani,
Also the angry Kankaboti’s pain.
The little flickering light in the corner of the house,
giving off black shadows all around the walls.
The sound from outside of the steady drop of water ting ting ting__
The wild boy listening to the story, absolutely quiet____
with it I remember my childhood song,
,The rain is falling drip drop the river is overflowing.
When did the rain fall,where was the flood___
Shiva Thakur’s marriage that was a long time ago!
Did the clouds display their merriment that day too!
Did the thunder and lightning also pay a visit at intervals!
What happened to the groom after marrying the three women!
I don’t know in which side of which river,or in which country,
who sang the song, who did she put to sleep____
rain is falling drip drop,the river is overflowing.
A beautiful poem this is and I think since it is recited in every home it must be very rhythmic one. Thanks for this gift.
Thank you very much Mr. Dar,I wrote the translation twice.Every time I tried to preview it,the text
disappeared. I almost thought of giving up.This morning I wrote it in my notebook,because I may lose it.
When I read it I didn’t like it. So I gave it one more try and it seemed it was okay. I decided to post it.
but was afraid,you may not like it.
Dear Ranu,
What a lovely poem! Thank you for sharing it.
I like the image of clouds, crossing borders (i.e., man-defined) that are, to the clouds, not really borders at all. Like the Spirit of Guidance, they blow where they blow.
All good wishes,
robert
Thank you ,Robert.I am vry glad you liked it.
Ranu
This is such a beautiful triumph of translation…I’m hearing the drip,drip & the story being read & the thunder. I’m seeing the light & shadows, I’m watching the clouds play, I’m feeling the connectedness and joy of the clouds & their gifts without borders of water into all the gardens. So much is said, so much is unsaid..the rhythm is definitely there. So glad to see this poem by Tagore one of my top ten favorite poets ever — a poem never seen before… What a universal sense of love I am feeling with this poem…comforted enough now to go to sleep at last…
Thank you very much,Connie,I am extremely happy to know that you were able to see what Tagore wanted us to see and hear.
I wasn’t sure my translation will be able to bring out the beauty of Tagore’s poem. I feel I have accomplished what I had
aimed for. I am thankful to you for your beautiful comment.
Ranu
I’m so glad I too “passed the test” and that my heart was able to receive Tagore’s beautiful gift to us through your gift.
May I have permission to post it on one of my sites? IF so, which would you prefer: http://oneheartforpeace.blogspot.com or http://nomorecrusades.blogspot.com ? If neither are appropriate, I will understand since my sites are sometimes perhaps too activist currently for much poetry…however I am trying hard to move in a slightly different direction…
Either way, I will treasure this poem & look for more translations from your heart to your hand…
With Deep Gratitude, Ranu,
Connie
I do feel that Dar Sir liked & recognized the rhythm in the poem which he saw as probably even more so in your homes?
Dear Connie,You are welcome to link it with any web site of yours.
I would be very glad.Thank you.
Ranu
Thank you, Connie .Sometimes a little encouragement goes a long way.
You certainly have done that.I am grateful to you.I’ll have to read and
find out,which one will be interesting to translate.
Ranu
Pingback: My 100th post: Thoughts on Rain, Boundaries, Inspiration | Lech Naumovich Photography
Thank you.
I enjoyed this very much. An interesting flow. Thank you.
Thank you Ted.
Absolutely beautiful. It’s obvious it came from your heart. Amazing fluidity.
Thank you so much Aman. 🙂
I love your blog and your poems, i am so glad our paths have crossed
Thank you so much I am also glad to meet you. 🙂